President Bola Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, even though they fell short in their playoff match against DR Congo on Sunday.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup were dashed at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, after a tense encounter that ended in a penalty shootout, allowing DR Congo to progress to the intercontinental playoff round.

The game finished 1–1 after both normal time and extra time. Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria an early lead in the third minute, but DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute through M. Elia. Extra time saw chances on both sides, including a missed header by Tolu Arokodare and a key save by goalkeeper Nwabali from a DR Congo free kick, but neither team could find a winner.

The contest was ultimately settled by penalties. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon were unable to convert their spot-kicks, although Nwabali stopped DR Congo’s opening attempt. DR Congo eventually won the shootout 4–3, ending Nigeria’s quest for World Cup qualification for a second straight edition.

With the win, DR Congo moves on to compete for a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following the match, Tinubu, through a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the team for their fight despite the outcome.

“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said.

He also called on football authorities to thoroughly review the team’s shortcomings, stating, “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”

Tinubu highlighted the need to redirect attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco from January to February 2026.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he added, urging that insights from the World Cup campaign be applied toward preparing for the continental championship.

The President also encouraged Nigerians and football supporters to keep faith with the national team.

He acknowledged the determination shown by the players, pointing out that despite the disappointment, the squad demonstrated strong resolve throughout both legs of the playoff and during the tense penalty shootout against DR Congo.